Library offers free online learning hub to cardholders

Oct 03, 2017

Where can you learn computer programming, hone your photography skills, design a logo, and get tips on writing a good cover letter? If you answered Fairfield Public Library, you would be correct. But your library now has an online learning hub that’s worth exploring, and it’s free to library cardholders.

Lynda.com is a subscription website with more than 6,000 courses and 100,000-plus video tutorials in five broad subject areas: Business, photography, design, software development, and web development. It typically costs at least $20 per month to subscribe. Now your library card lets you take Lynda’s classes for free. Up to five users can be logged in at one time.

“This is a way to keep on learning when the library is closed, or when you can’t visit us,” said Fairfield Public Library Director Rebecca Johnson. “Trustees encouraged me to write the grant application so these educational opportunities would become available for patrons to use at their own pace. For starters, the Local Option Sales Tax grant will cover up to five simultaneous users at a time.”

Patrons can get to Lynda.com by visiting the library’s website at www.fairfield.lib.ia.us and clicking on the Online Resources tab. Follow the prompts to create an account with your library card and four-digit PIN. Watch instructional videos, download course files, and bookmark pages that interest you.

Once signed up, cardholders can access Lynda on public library computers, or on their personal computers at home or work.

“Lynda.com videos are taught by credentialed subject experts. They are more in-depth and have higher production values than many YouTube tutorials” Johnson said. “They are owned by LinkedIn.”